HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-20 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, November 20, 2023 @ 5:15 PM
City Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
City Councilors Present: Fish, Hawes, Leonard, Tremble, Yacoubagha.
City Staff Present: Krieg.
Chair Hawes called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M.
1. COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS
Development Director Anne Krieg provided an introduction of the Community &
Economic Development department and the structure and roles of the Business &
Economic Development Committee.
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ADDENDUMS
PRESENTATIONS, No action requested
Jason Godfrey and Meng Guo, Better City, presented to the Committee. Gave a
slideshow presentation outlining their healthcare industry analysis and
recommendations.
Councilor Leonard asked if implementation of new technology will be addressed.
Godfrey responded that this presentation is meant to serve as an overview of their
analysis, but that this could be addressed as a recommendation in the future.
Councilor Fish asked for clarification of the statistics provided on numbers of
uninsured individuals, where funding comes from to provide for the uninsured, and
how Bangor's shortcomings in behavioral health emergency response compare
with the national average. Godfrey clarified that the provided statistics was that
rural populations have a 65% higher chance of being uninsured. Responded that
the financial burden of caring for the uninsured usually falls directly on the
hospitals, who are required to provide care and often are not reimbursed. Did not
have a response regarding the figures on behavioral health emergency response
but has recommended that the City conduct a targeted study in this area.
Chair Hawes expressed concern over how to address facility and workforce
shortages, as foresees difficulty investing in infrastructure without the workforce to
support it, but also foresees difficulty investing in workforce without the
establishment of infrastructure already in place. Godfrey noted that core issue
seems to be workforce shortage.
Councilor Leonard noted that, in discussions with traveling nurses, feedback has
been received seeming to indicate that Maine compensates these workers better
than in other states. Expressed agreement that workforce shortage is primary
issue, and wondered if investment should be targeted at marketing Bangor as a
desirable long-term workplace and residence for younger workers. Godfrey agreed
and reiterated suggested strategies.
Councilor Tremble recommended sharing this presentation with local hospitals.
Also mentioned a desire for City Council to take position opposing Northern Light's
elimination of corporators. Councilor Leonard expressed agreement and
recommended inviting a representative from Northern Light to a Committee
meeting. Krieg responded that she will work on coordinating this.
3. CULTURAL COMMISSION GRANT AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS,
Action requested to accept Commission's recommendations and forward to
next City Council meeting for approval
Development Director Krieg presented an overview of the grant program and the
Commission's award recommendations for the Fall 2023 cycle.
Councilor Fish asked for clarification regarding the application from the Bangor
Symphony Orchestra. Krieg confirmed the proposed concert locations and
purposes.
Councilor Leonard moved acceptance of Commission's recommendations,
seconded by Councilor Tremble. Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) UPDATES
A. INTRODUCTION TO CDBG
Development Director Krieg provided an overview of the program and its
goals.
Councilor Leonard clarified that the program was started under President
Johnson in the 1960s.
B. BROWNFIELDS PROJECT UPDATE, Action requested to accept staff
recommendation on contract recommendation
Development Director Krieg provided an overview of the project and staff's
contract recommendation.
Councilor Leonard moved acceptance of staff's recommendation to award
contract to Credere, seconded by Councilor Tremble. Vote unless doubted,
no doubt.
5. MAINE OFFICE OF TOURISM GRANT — PARTNERSHIP PROJECT
WITH GREATER BANGOR REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND
OTHERS, Action requested to accept staff recommendation to support
grant pursuit
Development Director Krieg provided overview of grant. Reported that proposed
use of funds is to create a new visitor & location guide. The City has agreed to
provide a funding match of $5,000. The casino and several hotels have also
agreed to contribute some funding.
Chair Hawes noted that the visitor& location guide has been appreciated and well-
received when provided in the past.
Councilor Tremble moved acceptance of staff's recommendation to support grant
pursuit, seconded by Councilor Leonard. Vote unless doubted, no doubt.
Councilor Leonard mentioned looking into use of "chat bot" technology in the
future.
6. Other business
Development Director Krieg confirmed that Renys will be moving into the location
that was previously the Christmas Tree Shops. Reported that staff has released
an RFQ for architectural services for creation of pre-approved plans for ADUs and
multi-family buildings.
Councilor Tremble asked about city-owned property on Union Street that had
previously been put out to bid and experienced challenges with proposed plans
due to its location within a historic district. Krieg confirmed that in the next RFP for
this property, historic design guidelines will be provided to allow for potential
buyers' to better prepare proposed plans.
Development Director Krieg also reported that the RFP for short-term rental
management will be released in the near future.
Meeting adjourned at 6:08 P.M.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Sarah Maquillan
Admin. Asst.
C&ED